Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is heading to the Netherlands to support her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was arrested in Manila on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. This arrest stems from allegations of “crimes against humanity” related to his controversial anti-drug campaign that resulted in thousands of deaths during his presidency from 2016 to 2022.
Rodrigo Duterte, now 79, was taken into custody at Manila airport and swiftly flown to The Hague. His arrest marks a significant moment, as he could become the first former Asian head of state to face trial at the ICC. Sara boarded a flight to Amsterdam on Wednesday to help organize her father’s legal defense, expressing her belief that his arrest represents “oppression and persecution” and is an affront to Philippine sovereignty.
In a statement, Sara criticized the ICC’s actions, calling them an insult to the independence of the Filipino people. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the government’s decision to facilitate Duterte’s transfer, stating it was in line with commitments to Interpol.
Duterte’s youngest daughter, Veronica, plans to file a habeas corpus request with the Philippine Supreme Court to bring her father back. His legal team is also working to understand where he will be held and how they can assist him.
The ICC has been investigating Duterte since 2018 for allegations of human rights abuses linked to his brutal war on drugs, which he championed during his campaign. Reports indicate that over 7,000 people were killed in police operations during his time in office.
Following Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest, candlelight vigils were held by families of victims of his drug war, demanding justice and accountability for the violence that characterized his presidency. The situation continues to evolve as the legal proceedings unfold.